At eight o'clock the man called and gave his name as Jonas Barton. Whether it was the right name might be a question; but this did not matter.
"I understand," said Col. Vincent, "that you have some information to give us."
"I have; and that of a very important nature."
"Is it of a nature to restore to my young friend here his property now in the possession of Mr. Manning?"
"If it were," said Jonas Barton with a cunning glance of his left eye "how much would it be worth?"
"I supposed it was for sale," said the colonel, quietly. "What is your own idea?"
"I will take two thousand dollars."
"Suppose we say one thousand?"
"It is not enough."
"Were you aware that the genuine will had been found?" asked the colonel, quietly.